Development of an Analytical Model for Predicting the Shear Viscosity of Polypropylene Compounds

The need for an efficient adaptation of existing polypropylene (PP) formulations or the creation of new formulations has become increasingly important in various industries. Variations in viscosity resulting from changes in raw materials, fillers, and additives can have a significant impact on the processing and quality of PP products. This study presents the development of an analytical model designed to predict the shear viscosity of complex PP blends. By integrating established mixing rules with novel fitting parameters, the model provides a systematic and efficient method for managing variability in PP formulations. Experimental data from binary and multi-component blends were used to validate the model, demonstrating high prediction accuracy over a range of shear rates. The proposed model serves as a valuable tool for compounders and manufacturers to optimise PP formulations and develop new recipes with consistent processing and product quality. Future work will include industrial-scale trials and further evaluation against advanced machine learning approaches.